Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman on Tuesday released BJP's manifesto for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, outlining 31 key promises focused on safeguarding indigenous rights, boosting infrastructure, and generating employment.
Releasing the manifesto in Guwahati, Sitharaman said the progress achieved by the BJP in the last ten years was something the Indian National Congress could not deliver during its decades-long governance.
The party’s ‘Sankalp Patra’ emphasizes protection of land, heritage, and dignity of Assam’s indigenous communities, alongside a proposed investment of Rs 5 lakh crore to transform the state into India’s eastern economic gateway. The roadmap will be driven by the Asom Gati Shakti Master Plan to accelerate infrastructure development.
A major highlight of the manifesto is the commitment to implement the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, aimed at expediting the detection and deportation of illegal immigrants.
The BJP also pledged to reclaim encroached land and distribute it to “genuine citizens” under the Mission Basundhara scheme.
The party proposed introducing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with exemptions for Sixth Schedule and tribal areas, to safeguard the cultural and legal rights of ethnic communities. It also promised stronger legal measures to address issues described as “Love Jihad” and “Land Jihad.”
Additionally, the manifesto includes plans to free encroached land belonging to religious and cultural institutions such as Satras, Namghars, and temples.
On the economic front, the BJP announced a ‘Badh Mukt Assam Mission’ with an outlay of over Rs 18,000 crore to tackle recurring floods. The party also committed to creating two lakh government jobs and expanding entrepreneurial opportunities across the state.
She slammed the Congress for lacking a long-term vision for the development of the North East, alleging that the region had been neglected for years. In contrast, she said, the BJP government has created opportunities that are now encouraging Assamese youth to return to the state.
Elections to 126 assembly constituencies in the state will be held on April 9, with counting on May 4.
(With inputs from PTI)